Jesuit’s cross country team has successfully defended its District 9-5A championship title for the fifth consecutive year at this year’s district meet, held on a rainy Halloween afternoon at City Park. In an impressive show of grit, the Blue Jays had six of the top seven finishers. Senior Brady Mullen led the charge, winning the individual competition with a time of 14:36. Fellow teammate junior Brady Monahan followed closely, securing second place with a time of 14:56.

“I’ve run in these conditions before,” said Mullen, who finished the 3-mile course in 14 minutes, 36 seconds. “Last year at state track, 3,200 meters, I ran really well there, almost my (personal record). I knew I could still run the same effort in harsher conditions, so I was excited.”

Coach Nick Accardo ’72 praised the team’s performance, stating, “Great team effort. To get six of the top seven finishers in the Catholic League is special. We’ll try to keep getting better every day and build on that success as we go through our championship season.”

As three-time defending state champions, the Blue Jays continue to uphold their legacy of excellence. Last year, they narrowly defeated the Crusaders to claim the state title, with Jesuit and Brother Martin finishing first and second in Division I. The Blue Jays remain atop the latest Louisiana Track and Field Coaches Association polls, released Monday morning. They received all 10 first-place votes to top the boys’ rankings.

Looking ahead, the team will compete in the regional meet on Nov. 8, with aspirations for the state championships, scheduled for Nov. 18 at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.

Individual Finishers:
1. Brady Mullen 14:36
2. Brady Monahan 14:56
4. Andrew Nimmo 15:27
5. Nick Accardo 15:28
6. Connor Fanberg 15:33
7. Nicholas Braud 15:34